It’s no surprise to hear that bingo clubs have been hit by the recession. Like many other industries the halls have really been feeling the pinch brought on by the economic climate, and austerity measures. Wales in particular has been hit hard. The reasons for this may be many fold. Unemployment in Wales is high, and conversely, wages are low, which has the effect of ensuring a percentage of the population would struggle financially to afford a bingo night out.
With a proud tradition of working class culture in Wales this is a real shame, as many small towns are now deprived of social entertainment, indeed many high streets are also seeing more and more shops being closed down, often making way Payday Loan outlets.
The phenomenon is probably the same in many other ex industrial and mining communities across Britain, although the South East has appeared to have escaped the brunt of the closures.
Since 2006, 13 bingo halls have closed in Wales, leaving only 21 left, roughly 30% of the original figure. The latest closures were quite recent; Top Ten Bingo closed their Pembroke Dock, and their Milford Haven clubs in March due to a lengthy struggle to keep afloat. Most of the chains have had to close clubs across the country in an effort to rationalise their operation, and a few of the independents have been wiped out entirely.
Unfortunately it looks like this trend of closures will continue until either the economy turns around, or bingo taxation is relaxed by the treasury. If you feel strongly about the government doing nothing to alleviate the closures and resulting loss of jobs, and have a bit of spare time on your hands, please let your local M.P. know of your concerns. It’s bad enough that the working classes are being left to fend for themselves, without having one of their few escapes taken away from them as well.
